Low draws key for punters
T HE meeting at the Vaal tomorrow is on the inside track meaning low draws will be favoured in all races, according to trends. The first is a Workrider’s Maiden over 2000m and Jackies Joy should appreciate the step up in trip on pedigree and has a classy rider aboard.
Kelly Firth is course and distance suited, and also comes from good formlines, while his good draw and an in-form rider aboard are further pluses. Cup Bearer did well over this distance from a wide draw at Turffontein last time and is now drawn in pole.
The second is MR 85 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m and it’s a tough one to assess but Lady Al could be the one to side with as her normal slow start shouldn’t be much of a disadvantage in a field of this size and she is drawn on the right side off a lowered merit rating.
Tiger’s Touch is 1,5kg worse off with Lady Al having beaten her by 1,2 lengths over 1160m last time and the tactical brain of Gavin Lerena should give her a chance of following up. Easy Street has a chance if bouncing back from her last start when something appeared to be amiss.
The third is a Maiden over 1400m for fillies and mares and For Show Me Angel is reunited with Piere Strydom who did well on her over 1200m in her penultimate and they have a fair draw.
Uproar should be running on and might be able to overcome the high draw by being dropped out. Miss Wales should be improving so can do better than her last slightly disappointing run over this trip.
South Atlantic
The fourth is a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1400m and South Atlantic made a decent debut over 1200m and will appreciate the step up in trip so could reverse form with Runa long, who doesn’t look to have as much scope and there has now been a reversal in draw fortunes. Runalong has first-time blinkers on in a weak field over a suitable course and distance with Gavin Lerena up so should be thereabouts again.
Spring Indeed could improve on her debut effort.
The fifth is a Novice Plate over 1400m and should be at the mercy of Rikitikitana
who has plenty of class and is having his third run on the Highveld over a trip he enjoys. Duke Nukem is the danger over his optimum trip, but it’s a concern he’s made breathing noises in his last three. King’s Archer could earn over a suitable trip from a good draw.
The sixth is a Maiden over 1700m and Smartifact looks the one to side with as he has run well in both career starts despite being found to have coughed both times. The progressive Hermoso Mundo will be running on from a good draw and looks the only danger. Chestnut Charlie has not been disgraced in two races which have worked out well and is likely to love the step up in trip.
The seventh is a MR 72 Handicap over 1700m and the penny is still dropping with the unbeaten His Legacy who will appreciate the step up in trip and as a horse who is going places could make it three from three from a good draw under Lerena. Gentleman Only is distance suited and drawn well.
Street Flyer has been competitive off this merit rating and is well drawn over a trip he should stay.
The eighth is a MR 75 handicap over 2400m and Silver Matador makes appeal back in a handicap having run above his merit rating in a Pinnacle event last time over this trip at Turffontein.
The ninth is a Maiden over 2400m and Go Fly A Kite looks likely to be distance suited and Lerena is up.
Yours And Mine will also enjoy the trip and there is not much between him and the first choice on the evidence of their last clash.